Big powers ready to respond if Iran addresses nuclear concerns: Kerry

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Major powers are ready to respond if Iran comes to February 26 nuclear talks ready to address questions about its nuclear program, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday.

The powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - are scheduled to meet Iranian negotiators in Almaty, Kazakhstan, later this month to see if there is a way to address Western concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

The United States, and its allies, suspect Iran is using its civilian program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, saying its program is for peaceful purposes such as generating electricity and producing medical isotopes.

"The international community is ready to respond if Iran comes prepared to talk real substance and to address the concerns, which could not be more clear, about their nuclear program," Kerry said in an opening statement at a news conference with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird.

Kerry, who replaced Hillary Clinton as secretary of state on February 1, voiced concern about Iran's recent announcement of plans to install and operate advanced uranium enrichment machines, a technological leap that would allow it to significantly speed up activity the West fears could be put to developing a nuclear weapon.

"It's disturbing," Kerry said. "And so my plea to the Iranians - or my statement - is a clear statement. We are prepared to let diplomacy be the victor in this confrontation over their nuclear program."

(Reporting By Arshad Mohammed; Editing by David Brunnstrom and Bill Trott)